A sum of RM5mil has been allocated for the second phase of upgrades to Johor Zoo. — Filepic
THE state government is ramping up efforts ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY 2026).
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said RM7.2mil of next year’s state budget had been allocated for promotional and publicity efforts for VJY 2026.
“This includes a campaign launch in mid-2025 and a VJY 2026 kick-off event during the countdown to 2026,” he said when tabling Johor Budget 2025 in Kota Iskandar.
Johor aims to attract 12 million tourists during VJY 2026.
“The state government will work with local councils, Tourism Johor, Johor National Parks Corporation and other relevant agencies to create high-quality tourism products alongside prestigious events to attract people to the state.
“We have also allocated RM6.8mil to upgrade the historic Istana Besar and Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim at Bukit Timbalan before they are opened to the public next year,” he said.
“This is in respect of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s decree for the two iconic buildings to be restored.”
Onn Hafiz also announced other works, including the second phase of upgrades for Johor Zoo with an allocation of RM5mil.
“RM7mil will go to the restoration of Muzium Tokoh in Johor Baru and RM10mil to develop the Sungai Lebam recreational centre in Kota Tinggi,” he said.
“RM6.95mil has been allocated to upgrade national parks in Johor, such as Gunung Ledang, Endau-Rompin, Tanjung Piai and Pulau Kukup.”
Other projects include upgrading facilities at Muar’s Seri Menanti beach, Batu Pahat’s botanical park and Minyak Beku beach as well as Pasir Gudang’s crocodile sanctuary and kite museum.
Onn Hafiz also thanked the Federal Government for supporting the state’s tourism efforts by allocating RM20.4mil to develop tourism products at Tanjung Piai National Park and Air Papan beach in Mersing. — By YEE XIANG YUN
